Takeover of DuPage museum tabled

The Wheaton Park District revealed the details of a proposal for its takeover of the DuPage County Museum Wednesday night.

However, park commissioners didn't vote on the proposal or reveal their sentiments on the topic.

Commissioners tabled their discussion until DuPage County board members see the proposal on April 15. Park commissioners won't vote on the proposal until May.

Just the potential for the takeover has drawn criticism from at least one county historical association member.

DuPage County Historical Museum Association member Veronica Porter's main concern is the proper care for the museum's artifacts and maintaining programming that appeals to the entire county, not just the Wheaton-Warrenville Unit District 200 residents the park district typically serves.

"Everyone who is outside of District 200 should be outraged that they are giving away a county museum," said Porter prior to seeing the proposal documents.

Wheaton Park District Executive Director Mike Benard said twice Wednesday night that the park district will maintain the countywide nature of the museum if the district becomes the administrator.

The draft proposal would commit the park district to that, but not free the county from financial responsibility.

Indeed, much of the county's current financial contributions to the museum will continue for at least the next five years.

In the takeover, the park district would control the entire museum building. The auditorium would be used for both museum and park district programs. The county history exhibit, train exhibit and rotating gallery spaces would all be maintained for museum functions. The rest of the structure would be occupied by park district staff, including Benard.

The park district would employ at least two museum staffers, including a curator and educator. The district would also establish the fees and hours of the museum.

The county and park district would create a fund for big-ticket repairs, such as a roof replacement. The county would be responsible for 75 percent of such costs. No other substantial alterations could be made to the building, especially those in violation of the building's status on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum association would remain in place as an advisory and fundraising board. The association would also have input on a new strategic plan the county and park district will develop for the museum.

Finally, the county will continue to partially fund the museum operations and staffing by paying the park district $130,000 a year. After five years, the county can renegotiate or terminate those payments based on the museum's self-sustainability at the time.